Obituary of Holly Desmond West

Holly Desmond West, age 61 of Clifton Park passed away on Thursday January 7, 2016 at her home. Born on December 9, 1954 in Nyack, NY, she was the daughter of Carolyn “Kelly” Desmond and the late William Desmond. She was predeceased by her sister Karen Anne Desmond. Holly received her BA from SUNY Oswego, and her MS in education from the College of St. Rose. She has loved working at Maria College in Albany for the past 25 years. Holly was the former department chair of the early childhood education department and most recently was an assistant professor within the psychology department. Holly’s lifelong passion was teaching, and the lives she touched through her teaching was long-lasting. She formed lifelong relationships with many of her former students. She considered her students and coworkers at Maria part of her family, and Maria College was truly her home. She is survived by her husband Ronald P. West, daughters Blair Debes (Toby) Oliver, Kelly Debes (Dave) Hoyt, step-daughter Amanda (Frank) Adamo, step-son Jason West, mother Carolyn “Kelly” Desmond, and brother Lynn (YooMi) Desmond. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jackson Oliver, and Madelyn and Frankie Adamo. A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 4:30 at the Mercy Chapel at Maria College, 700 New Scotland Ave, Albany. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holly Desmond West Psychology Scholarship Fund, at the Business Office, 700 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208.